Telecommunications system and methods

ABSTRACT

A cabinet having a framework for mounting telecommunications equipment includes a framework and telecommunications equipment mounted to the framework. The equipment may include splitter modules. Spools are mounted within the cabinet to manage overlength slack in fiber optic cables within the cabinet. A patch panel is mounted within the cabinet and define a plurality of cable termination locations for receiving at least some of the fiber optic cables. The patch panel is mounted on a pivotable frame between a storage position and an access position. The plurality of spools are positioned intermediate the telecommunications equipment and the patch panel. A splice area is mounted within the cabinet and is accessible when the pivotable frame is in the access position. The splice area receives fiber optic cables from the patch panel for splicing to additional cables.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/339,986, filed on Apr. 5, 2019, which is a National Stage Applicationof PCT/EP2017/075090, filed on Oct. 3, 2017, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/404,523, filed on Oct. 5, 2016, andclaims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/432,103, filedon Dec. 9, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim ofpriority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure concerns optical fibers and organization of opticalfibers. More specifically, this disclosure concerns an arrangement tobring splicing and overlength storage into a minimum footprint betweenequipment, including splitter modules, and incoming fiber optic cables.

BACKGROUND

There are systems that take in subscriber or distribution cables, splicethem to a pigtail cable, and then connect the cable to equipment. Thesesystems can occupy much space. Improvements in reducing the spaceoccupied to a minimum footprint, without losing functionality, aredesirable.

SUMMARY

To address the problems of prior systems, a telecommunications system isprovided. The system includes a cabinet having a framework for mountingtelecommunications equipment. Telecommunications equipment is mounted tothe framework. A plurality of spools are mounted within the cabinet tomanage overlength slack in fiber optic cables within the cabinet. Apatch panel is mounted within the cabinet and define a plurality ofcable termination locations for receiving at least some of the fiberoptic cables. The patch panel is mounted on a pivotable frame between astorage position and an access position. The plurality of spools arepositioned intermediate the telecommunications equipment and the patchpanel. A splice area is mounted within the cabinet and is accessiblewhen the pivotable frame is in the access position. The splice areareceives fiber optic cables from the patch panel for splicing toadditional cables.

The splice area can be mounted on the pivotable frame on an oppositeside from the patch panel, in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the splice area is mounted on a wall covered by thepivotable frame when the pivotable frame is in the storage position.

In one or more embodiments, there is also a parking area adjacent to thepatch panel for holding at least some fiber optic cables that are notconnected into the patch panel termination locations.

In some implementations, the pivotable frame includes a pivot sectionand a holding section. The pivot section is hingedly connected to theframework. The holding section holds the splice area. The holdingsection is angled at a non-zero angle relative to the pivot section.

In example embodiments, the holding section is angled at about 80-100degrees relative to the pivot section.

In example embodiments, the holding section has first and secondopposite sides. The first side holds the patch panel, and the secondside holds the splice area. The plurality of cable radius limiters arepositioned along an edge of the holding section between the first sideand the second side.

In example embodiments, the cable radius limiters are arranged in acolumn along the edge of the holding section.

In one or more embodiments, the telecommunications equipment is arrangedin a vertical column.

In example implementations, the spools are arranged in a vertical columnadjacent to the column of telecommunications equipment.

In many examples, the pivotable frame is adjacent the column of spools,with the column of spools being between the column of telecommunicationsequipment and the pivotable frame.

In example implementations, the telecommunications equipment includes atleast one splitter module.

In some examples, the telecommunications equipment comprises a pluralityof splitter modules.

In example embodiments, the plurality of splitter modules includes atleast two groups of splitter modules, and each group having more thanone splitter module. The at least two groups are arranged verticallyrelative to each other and with a base portion of each group beingangled toward the plurality of spools relative to an upper portion ofeach group.

In example embodiments, the at least two groups of splitter modulesincludes at least four groups of splitter modules.

In one or more embodiments, each group has at least four splittermodules.

In another aspect, a method of organizing fiber optic cable is provided.The method includes providing a cabinet including a framework formounting telecommunications equipment; mounting telecommunicationsequipment to the framework; routing overlength slack in the fiber opticcables to a plurality of spools mounted within the cabinet; connectingat least some of the fiber optic cables into a patch panel mountedwithin the cabinet, wherein the patch panel is mounted on a pivotableframe between a storage position and an access position, and wherein theplurality of spools are positioned intermediate to thetelecommunications equipment and the patch panel; pivoting the pivotableframe to the access position; and routing fiber optic cables from thepatch panel to a splice area mounted within the cabinet and accessiblewhen the pivotable frame is in the access position.

In example methods, the step of routing fiber optic cables to the splicearea includes routing the fiber optic cables to the splice area mountedon the pivotable frame on an opposite side from the patch panel.

In example methods, the step of routing fiber optic cables to the splicearea includes routing the fiber optic cables to the splice area mountedon a wall covered by the pivotable frame, when the pivotable frame is inthe storage position.

In example methods, the step of mounting telecommunications equipment tothe framework includes mounting at least one splitter module to theframework.

In example methods, the step of mounting at least one splitter module tothe framework includes mounting a plurality of splitter modules to theframework.

In example methods, there can be a step of routing a fiber to a splicetray in the splice area to provide a splice fiber; routing the splicedfiber from the splice tray to one of the splitter modules to provide aplurality of pigtails; routing overlength slack in the pigtails to thespools; and connecting at least some of the pigtails to the patch panel.

In example methods, after the step of routing overlength slack in thepigtails to the spools, there can be a step of connecting at least someof the pigtails to a parking area adjacent to the patch panel.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the presentdisclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of atelecommunications system utilizing a patch panel mounted on a pivotableframe, the pivotable frame being shown in a storage position,constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pivotable frame and patch panel ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pivotable frame and patch panel ofFIG. 2 as it is beginning to be pivoted from the storage position to anaccess position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the patch panel and pivotable frame ofFIG. 3 in a further position as it is being pivoted from the storageposition to the access position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pivotable frame of FIGS. 2-4 andshowing the access position, in which the splice area is visible and canbe accessed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pivotable frame of FIGS. 2-5 and inthe access position, in which the splice area is visible and accessible;

FIGS. 7-11 are top views of the pivotable frame of FIGS. 2-6 and showingvarious positions of the pivotable frame as it is rotated from thestorage position (FIGS. 2 and 7) to the access position (FIGS. 6 and11);

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of atelecommunications system utilizing a patch panel mounted on a pivotableframe, the pivotable frame being shown in a storage position,constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the patch panel of FIG. 12, depicted inthe storage position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the patch panel as it is being pivotedfrom the storage position to an access position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the patch panel of FIGS. 13 and 14pivoted to an access position to expose a splice area mounted on a backwall of the cabinet;

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the patch panel of FIGS. 13-15pivoted in the access position, showing the back of the patch panel andshowing the area where the splice area would be;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the patch panel of FIGS. 13-16depicting the patch panel in the access position and showing the frontof the patch panel;

FIGS. 18-20 are top views of the patch panel of FIGS. 13-17 and showingvarious positions as it is rotated from the storage position (FIGS. 13and 18) to the access position (FIGS. 16 and 20);

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a telecommunicationssystem shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the system of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the system of FIG. 21, andshowing the patch panel pivoted to an access position;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the system of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the system of FIG. 23 and showingthe patch panel in the access position;

FIG. 26 is a top view of the system of FIG. 21;

FIG. 27 is a top view of the system of FIG. 21 and showing the patchpanel in the access position;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of atelecommunications system utilizing a patch panel mounted on a pivotableframe, the pivotable frame being shown in a storage position,constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 28 and showing thepatch panel pivoted to the access position;

FIG. 30 is another perspective view of the system of FIG. 29 with thepatch panel in the access position;

FIG. 31 is a front view of the system of FIG. 28, the patch panel beingshown in the storage position;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the system of FIG. 28, with the patch panelbeing omitted for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 33 is a top view of the system of FIG. 28, the patch panel being inthe storage position;

FIG. 34 is a top view of the system of FIG. 28, the patch panel being inthe access position;

FIG. 35 is a side view of the system of FIG. 28, with the outer cabinetwall removed for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of the cable managementstructure used in the system of FIG. 28;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a subassembly of the cable managementstructure of FIG. 36; and

FIG. 38 is a schematic illustration showing example cable routingthrough the system of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To improve the prior art, a telecommunications system is provided thatprovides a compact way of bringing splicing and overlength storage intoa minimum footprint between equipment and incoming cable.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a telecommunications system at20. The system includes a cabinet 22. The cabinet 22 includes a rack orframework 24 for holding or mounting telecommunications equipment. Manyembodiments are possible. In the example illustrated, the framework 24is generally rectangular defining an interior holding the interiorcomponents, to be described further below.

The system 20 includes telecommunications equipment 26. The equipment 26can be many different types of equipment that is used in fiber opticsystems. For example, the equipment 26 can include active or passiveequipment, including, e.g., an amplifier, etc.

In the example of FIG. 1, the telecommunications equipment 26 isarranged in a vertical column. In general, fiber optic cable 27 will berouted from the central office to the system 20 and into the cabinet 22via plate 25 and then be connected to the equipment 26.

The system 20 further includes a plurality of slack storage members orspools 28. The spools 28 are mounted within the cabinet 22 to manageoverlength slack in the fiber optic cables within the cabinet 22. Thespools 28 organize and take up overlength or slack in cables 29 from theequipment 26. The spools 28 may be the type that are described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,289,159, incorporated herein by reference.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the spools 28 are arranged in a verticalcolumn adjacent to the column of telecommunications equipment 26.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the system 20 includesa patch panel 30 mounted within the cabinet 22. The patch panel 30 isprovided as is well known in the art and defines a plurality of cabletermination locations 32 for receiving at least some of the fiber opticcables 29 in the system 20, as the cables 29 are connected between theequipment 26 and the patch panel 30.

The patch panel 30 is mountable on a pivotable frame 34. The pivotableframe 34 is movable between a storage position (FIGS. 1 and 2) and anaccess position (FIGS. 6 and 11). As can be seen in FIG. 1, theplurality of spools 28 is positioned intermediate the telecommunicationsequipment 26 and the patch panel 30. As can also be realized from areview of FIG. 1, the pivotable frame 34 is adjacent the column ofspools 28, and the column of spools 28 is between the column oftelecommunications equipment 26 and the pivotable frame 34.

A plurality of cable radius limiters 36 can be mounted on the pivotableframe 34 to help manage the cable and protect the fibers in the cable.The radius limiters 36 are positioned between the patch panel 30 and asplice area 38.

The system 20 further includes splice area 38. The splice area 38 ismounted within the cabinet 22 and is accessible when the pivotable frame34 is in the access position (FIGS. 6 and 11). The splice area 34receives fiber optic cables from the patch panel 30 and is for splicingto additional cables. In many systems, the cables then exit the cabinet22 and are directed to customers. The splice area 38 can be manydifferent embodiments including splice trays, such as those described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,304,707, incorporated herein by reference. The cablesmay enter the splice area via troughs. Optionally, the cables mayinclude a cable clamping device, and there may be a termination unitassociated with the tray.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, the splice area 38 is mountable on thepivotable frame 34 on a side of the pivotable frame 34 that is oppositefrom the side holding the patch panel 30. In the examples shown in FIGS.3-5, it can be appreciated that the plurality of cable radius limiters36 are positioned along the edge of the pivotable frame 34 between theside holding the patch panel 30 and the side holding the splice area 38.In this example, the radius limiters 36 are arranged in a column alongthe edge.

In some embodiments, there can be a storage arrangement or “parkingarea” 51 (FIG. 1) for holding one or more unconnected cables that arenot connected into the patch panel termination locations 32. The parkingarea 51 can include, for example, a housing or arrangement such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,218,827, incorporated herein by reference.The parking area 51 can also include, for example, any type of structure(e.g., a foam block) that uses friction to hold the unconnected cables.

In reference now to FIGS. 7-11, in this example, the pivotable frame 34includes a pivot section 40 and a holding section 42. The pivot section40 is pivotally connected to the framework 24. For example, the pivotsection 40 can be connected to the framework 24 by a hinge 44.

The holding section 42 has first and second opposite sides 46, 48. Thefirst side 46 holds the patch panel 30, and the second side 48 holds thesplice area 38. The radius limiters 36 are positioned along the edge ofthe holding section 42 between the first side 46 and second side 48.

The holding section 42 is angled at a non-zero angle relative to thepivot section 40. In the example shown, the holding section 42 is angledat about 80-100 degrees, for example, about 90 degrees, relative to thepivot section 40.

In use, when it is desired to access the splice area 38, the pivotableframe 34 is pivoted about the hinge 44 to move the frame 34 from thestorage position (FIGS. 2 and 7) to the access position (FIGS. 11 and6). This exposes the splice area 38 and allows access to the splice area38. The frame 34 can be pivoted about an angle from the storage position(at 0°) to the access position (90-150°) for servicing or access to thesplice area 38.

FIGS. 12-20 illustrate another embodiment of system 20. Much of thestructure is similar and will use the same reference numerals and relyupon the description above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11.In this embodiment, the pivotable frame 34 is itself the patch panel 30.The patch panel 30 pivots between the storage position (FIGS. 12, 13,18) and the access position (FIGS. 15-17, 19, 20).

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, when the patch panel 30 is pivoted fromthe storage position to the access position, it exposes the splice area,shown here in FIG. 15 at reference numeral 54. In this embodiment, thesplice area 54 is mounted on a wall 56, which in this embodiment, is atthe rear of the cabinet 22. When the patch panel 30 is in the storageposition, the splice area 54 is covered and protected by the patch panel30. When the patch panel 30 is in the access position, it exposes anduncovers the splice area 54 on the wall 56.

In this embodiment, the patch panel has a first side 58 and an oppositesecond side 60. In the storage position, the second side 60 will begenerally parallel to and in opposition to the splice area 54. In theaccess position, the patch panel 30 is rotated relative to the wall 56and the splice area 54. The angle can be, for example, between 60° and150°. See, for example, FIG. 18 in which the storage position shows thepatch panel 30 as generally parallel to the splice area 54. FIG. 19shows the patch panel 30 at an angle of about 60° relative to the splicearea 54. In FIG. 20, the patch panel 30 is about 120° relative to thesplice area 54.

FIGS. 16 and 18-20 show the wall 56 prior to the splice area 54 beingadded. It should be understood that when the splice area 54 is added, itmay have the appearance of a series of trays as shown in FIG. 15.

The system 20 is highly flexible. The system 20 of both embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 12 illustrate a cross-connect system; that is, a systemwhich has cables between the equipment 26 and the patch panel 30/andbetween the patch panel 30 and the splice area. If it is desired tohave, instead of a cross-connect system, an interconnect system, thepatch panel 30 is removed allowing fiber optic cable to connect directlybetween the equipment 26 and the splice area.

The system 20 can be used in a method of organizing fiber optic cable.The method can include providing cabinet 22 including framework 24 formounting telecommunications equipment 26.

Next, there is a step of mounting the telecommunications equipment 26 tothe framework 24.

Next, there is a step of routing overlength slack in fiber optic cablesin the cabinet to a plurality of spools 28 mounted within the cabinet22.

Next, there is a step of connecting at least some of the fiber opticcables into patch panel 30 mounted within the cabinet 22. The patchpanel 30 is mounted on a pivotable frame 34 between a storage positionand an access position. The patch panel 30 includes cable radiuslimiters 36. The spools 28 are positioned intermediate thetelecommunications equipment 26 and the patch panel 30.

Next, there can be a step of pivoting the pivotable frame 34 to theaccess position and routing the fiber optic cables from the patch panel30 to splice area 38 mounted within the cabinet 22 and accessible whenthe pivotable frame 34 is in the access position.

In some example methods, the step of routing fiber optic cables to thesplice area 38 includes routing the cables to the splice area 38 mountedon the pivotable frame 34 on an opposite side from the patch panel 30.

FIGS. 21-27 depict further views of the embodiment of FIG. 12. In FIG.21, the system 20 is shown in perspective view. Much of the structure issimilar and uses the same reference numerals and relies upon thedescription with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11.

The system 20 includes cabinet 22 with a rack or framework 24.Telecommunications equipment 26 can be shown arranged vertically in arow along one side of the cabinet 22. Adjacent to the equipment 26 is aplurality of slack storage members or spools 28. Next to the spools 28is pivotable patch panel 30. The patch panel 30 pivots between thestorage position (FIGS. 21, 22 and 26) and the access position (FIGS.23, 24, 25, and 27). When the patch panel 30 is pivoted from the storageposition to the access position, it exposes splice area 54 (FIGS. 23 and24). The splice area 54 is mounted on the wall 56 which is at the rearof the cabinet 22. When the patch panel 30 is in the storage position,the splice area 54 is covered and protected by the patch panel 30. Whenthe patch panel 30 is in the access position, it exposes and uncoversthe splice area 54 on the wall 56.

FIG. 24 illustrates the splice area 54 along the wall 56. It includes aseries of splice trays 52.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show the patch panel 30 in the storage position. InFIGS. 23-25, the patch panel 30 is pivoted to the access position, whichis angled away from the splice area 54 to allow access to the splicearea 54.

By comparing FIGS. 26 and 27, it can be seen how the patch panel 30pivots from the storage position, in which the patch panel 30 isgenerally parallel to the rear wall 56 holding the splice area 54, tothe access position in FIG. 27 in which the patch panel 30 is pivotedaway from the splice area 54 and extends outside of the enclosure of thecabinet 22. In FIG. 27, the patch panel 30 is pivoted to be about 90°relative to the rear wall 56 of the cabinet 22. It should be understoodthat the patch panel 30 can be pivoted farther than 90°, to at leastabout 120° relative to the splice area 54.

The system 20 in the embodiment of FIGS. 21-27 may include variousstructures for managing cables for routing, organizing, and preventingsharp radii. For example, cable managers 100 are adjacent to theequipment 26, and in FIG. 21, they are along opposite sides of theequipment 26. There are also cable managers 102 located between thepatch panel 30 and the spools 28. Access openings 104 are also providedbelow the patch panel 30 and adjacent to the spools 28. A clamping area106 is provided between a cable port area 108 in the cabinet 22 and thesplice area 54. In FIG. 23, when the patch panel 30 is in the accessposition, cable rings 110 are visible and are attached to the secondside 60 of the patch panel 30. Also in FIG. 23, radius limiters 112,adjacent to the splice area 54, can be seen. The radius limiters 112 areattached to the rear wall 56. In FIG. 24., cable managers 114 arevisible along side the splice area 54 next to a wall of the cabinet 22.

FIGS. 28-38 illustrate another embodiment of a telecommunications system20. Much of the structure of the system 20 of FIGS. 28-38 is similar andwill use the same reference numerals and rely upon the description abovewith respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 and 12-20. In thisembodiment, the equipment 26 includes at least one splitter module 80.The splitter module 80 is the type of module that is known in the artand may contain either passive optical splitters or wavelength divisionmultiplexors. The splitter modules 80 can be many types ofconfigurations, and in this embodiment, the splitter modules 80 are 1×16splitters.

In this embodiment, the telecommunications equipment 26 includes aplurality of splitter modules 80. As can be seen in FIG. 31, thesplitter modules 80 include at least two groups of splitter modules 80which can include a first group 82, second group 83, third group 84, andfourth group 85. Each group 82-85 has more than one splitter module 80.

In the illustrated embodiment, the groups 82-85 are arranged verticallyrelative to each other. Each group 82-85 has a base portion 86, which isalong a bottom, and an upper portion 87, which is along a top. Eachgroup 82-85 can be arranged so that the base portion 86 is angled towardthe spools 28 and patch panel 30 relative to the upper portion 87 ofeach group 82-85. This arrangement provides advantage in that opticalfibers (e.g., pigtails 98, FIG. 38) extending from each group 82-85 donot dangle down and interfere with another one of the group 82-85.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 31 and 32, it can be seen how the secondgroup 83, third group 84, and fourth group 85 of splitter modules 80include a radius limiter 90 to help direct the optical fibers (pigtails98) from the groups 83, 84, 85.

Many different embodiments are possible. In the one illustrated, eachgroup 82-85 includes at least four splitter modules 80.

Again in reference to FIG. 32, while the splitter modules 80 areillustrated as being at an angle, they may also be non-angled. However,it has been found to be advantageous when the groups 82-85 of splittermodules 80 are angled, as shown at reference numeral 92 in FIGS. 31 and32. The angle 92 is measured from the base portion 86 to a horizontal,parallel to the ground or the bottom of the cabinet 22. Angle 92 can be5-40°, for example, 10-30°.

As with the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 21, the patch panel 30 pivots orrotates from a storage position (FIGS. 28, 31, 33, and 35) to an accessposition (FIGS. 29, 30, and 34). The splice area 54 is mounted withinthe cabinet 22 and is accessible when the pivotable frame 34, holdingthe patch panel 30, is in the access position. The splice area 54 isused to receive fiber optic cables from the patch panel 30 for splicingto additional cables. In addition, the splice area 54 can be used withfiber optic cables having a signal coming from the service provider. Anexample of a fiber optic cable with a signal from a service provider,and how it is routed through the cabinet 22 is illustrated schematicallyin FIG. 38 and discussed below.

As with the embodiment of FIGS. 21-27, the FIG. 28 embodiment mayinclude various structures for managing cables for routing, organizing,and preventing sharp radii. For example, cable managers 120 are locatedbetween the patch panel 30 and the spools 28. Access opening 122 islocated in a wall 124 between the patch panel 30 and the spools 28. Aclamping area 126 is provided between cable port area 94 in the cabinet22 and the splice area 54. Cable tie-offs 128 are provided along acabinet wall adjacent to the clamping area 126 and splice area 54. InFIG. 29, when the patch panel 30 is in the access position, cable rings130 are visible and are attached to the second side 60 of the patchpanel 30. Also in FIG. 29, radius limiters 132, adjacent to the splicearea 54, can be seen. The radius limiters 132 are attached to the rearwall 56. In FIG. 24, cable managers 114 are visible along side thesplice area 54 next to a wall of the cabinet 22. A channel cable holder134 is used along the radius limiters 132.

FIGS. 36 and 37 illustrate enlarged views of the cable managementstructure located between the splice area 54 and the spools 28.Multi-piece cable holders 136 are adjacent to the splice trays 96 andfeed into individual radius limiters 132. The channel cable holder 134covers the holders 136 vertically and helps prevent optical fibers fromfalling out of the holders 136 and limiters 132. Many variations arepossible.

An example of how fiber optic cable is routed through the system 20 isshown schematically in FIG. 38. The optical fiber 88 with the signalfrom the cable provider (central office) 140 enters the cabinet 22through port 94. From there, the optical fiber 88 is routed to the clamparea 126 wherein it is clamped or held with a clamp 144. From there, itis routed to splice area 54 and is spliced at A at one of the splicetrays 96. From there, the spliced fiber 88 is routed to one of thesplitter modules 80. In this example it is routed to splitter module 80in the first group 82 of modules 80. The fiber 88 may also be held byone of the spools 28. From the splitter module 80, a plurality offurther optical fibers, which may be in the form of pigtails 98, willextend from the splitter module 80 and then will be routed toward thepatch panel 30. Any overlength in the pigtails 98 can be routed onto oneor more of the spools 28. In FIG. 38, many of the pigtails 98 are shownbroken away after the splitter modules 80 for purposes of illustration.It should be understood that one or more of the pigtails 98 c would thenbe connected to the patch panel 30. In addition, one or more of thepigtails 98 p may be placed into the parking area 51 (FIG. 31). From thepatch panel 30, there can be a connection at one of the splice trays 96,spliced at B, and from the splice tray 96, clamped at 146 and thenrouted to a user 142.

The embodiment of FIGS. 28-38 has advantages in that the footprint issmaller than many traditional arrangements having similar equipment.Many variations can be made.

The above description includes example principles. Many embodiments canbe made using these principles.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber distribution hub comprising: a cabinet defining an interior accessible through a front access opening; active equipment disposed within the interior and accessible from the front access opening, the active equipment including a plurality of units disposed within the interior, the units defining cable connection interfaces that face the front access opening; and a termination field disposed within the interior, the termination field including a plurality of adapters carried by a pivotal panel, the adapters defining forward ports and rearward ports, the panel being configured to pivot between a storage position and an access position, the panel blocking access to the rearward ports from the front access opening when the panel is disposed in the storage position, the panel allowing access to the rearward ports when disposed in the access position.
 2. The fiber distribution hub of claim 1, wherein the active equipment is disposed in a column within the interior.
 3. The fiber distribution hub of claim 2, wherein the column is disposed laterally offset from the pivotal panel.
 4. The fiber distribution hub of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of spools are disposed adjacent the column of active equipment.
 5. The fiber distribution hub of claim 2, wherein the spools are disposed between the column of active equipment and the pivotal panel.
 6. The fiber distribution hub of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spools are disposed adjacent the active equipment.
 7. The fiber distribution hub of claim 1, wherein the units of active equipment include wavelength division multiplexors.
 8. The fiber distribution hub of claim 1, further comprising a storage region disposed within the interior and accessible from the front access opening, the storage region holds one or more unconnected cables that are not connected into the termination field.
 9. The fiber distribution hub of claim 1, wherein the pivotal panel forms part of a pivotal frame that includes a pivoting section and a holding section, the pivoting section being pivotally connected to the cabinet, the holding section carrying the adapters.
 10. The fiber distribution hub of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of bend radius limiters carried by the pivotal frame.
 11. The fiber distribution hub of claim 10, wherein the bend radius limiters are disposed along an edge of the pivotal frame.
 12. The fiber distribution hub of claim 1, further comprising a splice region disposed within the interior of the cabinet.
 13. The fiber distribution hub of claim 12, wherein the splice region is accessible when the pivotal panel is disposed in the access position.
 14. The fiber distribution hub of claim 13, wherein the splice region is carried by the pivotal panel.
 15. The fiber distribution hub of claim 12, wherein the termination field is removable from the cabinet to enable direct connection between the equipment and the splice region.
 16. The fiber distribution hub of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of spools disposed adjacent the active equipment, the spools being stationary relative to the active equipment; a plurality of bend radius limiters disposed at an edge of the pivotal frame, the bend radius limiters being carried with the pivotal frame; and a storage region disposed within the interior and accessible from the front access opening.
 17. The fiber distribution hub of claim 16, wherein the active equipment units include a plurality of wave division multiplexers disposed in a column.
 18. The fiber distribution hub of claim 16, wherein the pivotal panel forms part of a pivotal frame that includes a pivoting section and a holding section, the pivoting section being pivotally connected to the cabinet, the holding section carrying the adapters, the holding section being angled relative to the pivoting section at a non-zero angle.
 19. The fiber distribution hub of claim 16, further comprising a splice region disposed within the interior of the cabinet, the splice region being accessible when the pivotal panel is disposed in the access position.
 20. The fiber distribution hub of claim 19, wherein the splice region is carried by the pivotal panel. 